Why should I pay to volunteer?

We all need shelter, food, and love. When you volunteer with OSSO, you provide all three to the orphans.

Because children thrive with as much stability and consistency as possible, our prices and discounts are set to encourage long-term volunteers (4+ weeks). However, we realize this time commitment is not possible for everyone; so as a short-term volunteer, your fees are also used to help long-term staff care for the orphans.

To learn more about why OSSO volunteers pay for their experience, read a letterfrom our managing director.

Breakdown of costs

Immediate family members applying at the same time and traveling on the same date need only pay one application fee.

*All volunteers pay a mandatory donation that directly supports the children. However, donations from volunteers and non-volunteers are always welcome. Please donate here.

Families are required to pay a $500 donation + $100 for each individual person. This pricing cannot be combined with alumni discounts.

**Volunteers are responsible to coordinate and pay for all airfare expenses. Upon acceptance, we will share flight instructions and refer you to a travel agency.

Ready to pay your program fees? If you've been accepted to our program, click the button to pay.

Discounts

Most discounts require a commitment of 4 weeks or more. Please mention the discount you are interested in receiving when you speak with us about your application.

Recruit a Friend Discount

4th week free

Friends do not need to volunteer during the same times or in the same place but must sign up for a minimum of 4 weeks. Your friend must submit their application and pay the application fee before your total fees are due.

Spanish Speaker Discount

$200 off (Ecuador)

Alumni Discount

$500 off

Group Discounts

Contact our office for details.

Critical Need Discount (Winter-spring discount)

$200 off (Ecuador)

Sign up to be a long-term volunteer (4+ weeks) anytime between February 13th and May 8, 2018 to receive this discount.

Other Discounts

As announced

Refunds

No refunds will be given after program fees have been paid.

The application fee is completely nonrefundable. If we complete a background check, process your application, and choose not to accept you, your application fee is not refunded. If you decide to cancel your application, your application fee is not refunded.

You may choose to defer your volunteer time up until the time of departure, and all payments will be held for your new departure date.

If a volunteer is sent home for breaking Code of Conduct, volunteers will be responsible for all fees associated with ticket changes and travel fees to leave early.

OSSO cannot and does not offer any refunds for money spent on international airfare.

No program fee refunds will be given to volunteers who choose to sign out of the program, changing the time they have previously committed.

Comparisons

For a 15-week semester, program fees total $3,795 + $500 donation.

Compare that cost with the cost of a semester at local universities you may be familiar with: